Bobbin marking mechanism



July 2.3, 194s.

Q. w. scHLUMs BOBBIN MARKING MECHANISM Fiied Dec. so, 1941 s sheets-sheet 1 .July 23, 1946. o. w. scHLUMs 2,404,462

BoBBIN MARKING MECHANISM Filed Dec. so, 1941 :s'sheets-sneet s Patented July 23, 1946 n BOBBIN MARKING DIECHANISM [out vv. schuim, 'Whitinsvilla Mass., assignor to Whitin Machine Works, Whitinsvlle, Mass., a,

corporation of Massachusetts y l Application December 30, 1941, Serial No. 424,945

' u 15 Claims. (Cl. 242-1) The invention relatesto apparatus for Vmarking the mass of yarn wound on bobbins or the like, such as are delivered from automatic textile winding and analogousmachines, and consists of ,de-

liverymechanism incorporatedl in or applied to i such Y,machines operatingto pass lilledbobbins therefrom', as wound, andat the same time mark the yarn of each bobbin with an identifying mark fugitive or easily removablein the ultimate product or when this function hasbeen served'.v

, Such marking has heretofore lbeendone by hand vwith colored chalk by the operator, and in the case of certain kinds Vof windingmachines this has required specialrehandlng of the bobbins .for noY other purpose than to put the marks upon them, besides which the variety of markings available for use has been limited to the number of distinctive chalk colors.

By the present invention each bobbinis marked automatically yas produced by imprinting directly on its mass of wound yarn a mark which may be a chalk mark if desired, and which maybe distinctivenot only as'to color, but also as to form or combination, thereby aifording a practition' applied; Fig.l 2 a, plan ofthe marking mechanism associatedone with each winding head; Fig. 3 is an elevation fof Fig. 2 from :line

H11-111;" Figs. 4 and grepresent examples of marked bobbins; Fig. 6 is a plan for using liquid pigment; and Fig. 'l is an Velevation of Fig. 6. Figi is a` partial top plan of the Winding machine.

4The apparatus includes as its supporting means several bracket Yaims l 1bolted.at intervals along the iframe 2 of` the winding machine, parts of which appear in Fig. 1, 'and' as will. beunderstood. The brackets carry 'a longitudinal supporting rod 3 running the :length ofthe machine, and also .thefjournal bearings for a. longitudinal roller shaft Il4 likewise running the length of the machine and driven by a train of reducinggearing, marked 5, inV turnA driven by the main `or powergshaft.

The longitudinalroller shaft! is driven continuously and in aposition directlybelow-.the row .of heads in which the bobbins are held while they are being wound (Fig. l) and adjacent the outlets of the chutes l into which the lled bobbins drop on being released from vthe chucks in such heads, When the chucks separate or `open .a wound .bobbin drops upon, the upper slope of the chute Aon which it turns as it slides or ,falls so that it reaches the lower end of the chute butt rst. At 'lb isa conventional chuck showing.

cally unlimited range of marking .for the more* 430 The bobbins are commonly retained, momentarireliableV identification of the yarn. Within the term bobbin is included any other similar form of wound ltextile package, Whether on a core or not,and the term pigment ,is used to refer to any marking substanceof the kind indicated, whether liquid or solid.

According to this invention the bobbins are taken one by one while in process of emerging from the winding mechanisms of the machine and carried onward through a -path deflned by opposing -driven surfaces which engage thebob-l bin with some pressure, and one at least ofthese surfaces is a marking device, or a marking roller, supplied with the marking pigment, and acting to transfer such pigment in a selected pattern to the yarn mass as -it passes. The bobbin-engaging membersrare driven continuously vso that they become active to mark and pass each bobbin onward instantly that it reaches contact-with them, marking it at the same time. The drawings hereof illustrate preferred em-v bodiments of means within the invention-for carrying out .the action referred to, Fig. 1 being Van end elevation of a known form of multiple-head automatic winding machine having theinvenas 8, and associated Vwith 'each suchroller there is an .opposed or complementary pressure member, Vpreferably also in thev form of a roller -marked' 9.Y Between themy these rollers 'deline a continuation of the bobbin-discharge path 'and into which the ,bobbn protrudes as Vit emerges, butt first; from the opened end of Athe chute. Thegpressure means or roller 9 is vcarried infa frame Illv swinging on thelongitudinal-shaft3 as an axisV and spring-urged toward thegroqved c driven roller 8 by spring l2. In the intervals between marking operationsthis frame .rests against a xedstop Il,which is en arm also carried onj the supportrod 3, and desirably so adjustably v,set on' that rod that thai-ollersam normally spaced widely enough apart to allow Y l the butt of abobbinto enter betweenv them, with Yor without exerting pressure upon it, but in any event closely enough together to grip and make a Viirm Contact with the yarn mass upon such bobbin. Within the rangeof an ordinary auto- `matic winder various styles and sizes ofbobbins Y `may be delivered. by 4,thechute'at different times and thev normal spacing between the driving relier and its pressure means including the spring I2, s isdesigned as indicated to provide a suitable v1 pressure on the yarn foreach of them, and so llthat when entry occurs therotation of lthe driven roller 8 passes the bobbin slowly..onwardtowardj@wi Lthe place of deposit. Since `the butt diameter is often as large ,or larger than the yarn mass which are set to press on the yarn is apt to be uncertain and'resultin the blocking of the chute Y land possible vinjury to n.the winding mechanism. 'Ihis is Aavoided byfproviding vribsor .cleats .8a

on-the driving-rollers-rof .properform to inter- `by th pencil or pencils.

and in the manner described vis preferred. In

such case the marking Apigment'is prepared for transfer, that is to say,.reduced to powder, by

the actuation of the bobbin itself, to which the transfer is made, and since the transfer roller rotates only while engaged with the `bobbn no K more chalk is ground oi of the pencils than is actually requiredfor making thma'rks' l It may Vbe noted alsof-that the adjustrnenti of theV springs I2 combines with the action of the cleats 3a to provide the traction necessary for driving the transfer roller under the Vfriction load imposed Instead of cleats the driving rollers kcould be provided with rubber surfaceswhichwouldlbe the equivalent.

Figs.' 6'-and"'7'indicate the appropriate changes `diametenthe entry into the pass between rollers rnarkedv 2E serve as the marking means.

llock withv or catch hold of-the ridges or rings onY they bobbinabutt.thus to draw the. bobbin intoV )thel pass vunder Y all `Ycircumstances.` The-stop arms ILwill be understoodtobe initially setgin the` adjusted Vpositions referred to, and beingall s set-'screwedto the support rod V3-f-the passes 4through all of thesrollers can` be simultaneously and conveniently. changed when required by rocking such rod in itssupporting brackets...

- In Figs. 1 to 4 .the pressure means or vroller 9 is a marking roller, rotated by the bobbin, and is shown as made twin iorrn, with Ytwo adjacent rims `or treads,A the' equivalent of ltwo irollers- 'mounted sider byside. -Each tread is lsupplied with pigment, which in'this case is-a solid such as chalk,u and appliedv thereto -bya lpencil of that material loosely held in a feed'tube i I4 through the open bottom of which vthe pencil bears uponthe treadsurface or surfaces of the roller as'the latter rotates. These --tubes are supported side ,l by sideina bracket I5 also carriedV on the swinging-rollen frame I0 so as to preserve aconstant 'relationto the roller; they gmaybe supplied with spring followers or other means for :pressing the chalk downwardswhen necessary. Y

` The Yrotation of- 'the marking roller by the lbobbin causes its tread surface to rub the end `of the' chalk pencil'so as to grind off some of the `chalk in the form of Apowder which clings to the tread surface, such surface being appropriately roughened as by cementing emery Yflour toit. Although this chalk powder `adheres to the rough tread, enough of it is Ytaken off by the -yarn mass underthe rolling "contact `withthe latter for using a liquid marking pigment and in the equivalent ofjithezchalking meansmf the.. .other form. .The bobbin `passing river:I the roller.'V picks up .the Apig-ment and is 4.markedaccordingly.. VThereafter the continuing rotation vof-theA roller Y -Lin the intervals-betweenlmarkngm insuresV that it will be .properly.suppliedwitlrpigment.for its nextactionf As linthe Vlotherl-forrn the; marking roller may also present Veither continuousor interrupted surfaces to.. Contact by the 1a-rn .thusA to produce such' --patterns y 'as are indicated .the dyaW1ngs The pressure means 2ilinfthis-caseiswamoller as before, whichis carriedinaf-similarLspringpressed frame It normal-ly held against .the .stop I I sothat the yar-nzmasslcan begripped :under the upressurey appropriatefor advancing it..and

transferring the pigment from the `drive roller to it a'sthe bobbinfpassesffalong. I The c-zonstruction affords the advantage' that thepres'sure--rollngmeans such as Y2!! can' also be a pigment-transferring means, if desired; like-the roller lil with either single 'or Yplural l treads; 'thereby -ni-arking` both sides of the bobbin atonce-'so that it -canbe'identiedfrom anyfangle from whichviewed.- AIn both Y forms the chutes constitute-'means for `entering to produce a distinct marking. In the forrnil-L lustrated, two y'continuous chalkA stripes arerthus imprinted on the yarn; the treads of the roller `being continuous. This makes a novel and conspicuous identication for bobbins.

vening of the Atreads can also be discontinuous,

The rough-- `if desired, one or both, in such Vcase making-interrupted or broken stripe marks, and of course any combination ofsuch markings, in the same :or different colors,rand as suggested byrlFig's, 4

`and 5.-' The 'twin' rolling means 9 is mounted forrready removal from its frame, as 'by un- -fscrewing the ythumb-nut Iii. so Y that other `markers can be substituted Yto make morefor lfewer marks onthe yarn.A .While theinvention contemplates supplyingpigment to the roller' 9 iin any desired manner, itsapplication in'the form vof a pencil of a 'solid substance likechalk x75 the bobbins into the action@ ofthe Ymarking mechanism and such-action isunder way while the bobbirr-is still partlyinllthe control of the chute as canfbe observedinthe drawings. Fromthe rollers-the marked bobbins fall into ya rreceiving b oX,-notshown. y f rei --lreiaimfl- Vl. As' an" adjunct to a bobbin-wind'er' compris- Y ing row of automatic and independent1-y-oper-- ating `.bobbinwinding heads provided.4 with delivery 'chutes which receive and 'discharge f bobbins in the sequence in which they become Vfully wound by` said heads', the Vcombination ofa v'longitudinal bobbin-drive shaft, `Vmounted on .said'machine paralle'l'togthe row and common to all the lwinding''lieads thereof, a series -o'f bobbin-drive rollers distributed along andpdrivenb'y suchshafaeach roller respectively adjacent to a delivery chuteeof,

afwinding headgfand each having'a pressure --means cooperating. with it'to advance a bobbin, 'means for continuously driving such shaft to continue the Adelivery. of .bobbins as soon as presented -by saidchutesand .means for applyinga marking pigment to the bobbins while engaged by said rollers. f Y y.

y 2. As an adjunct to a textile winding machine comprising a plurality of automatic-and .independently-operating .bobbin-winding ,heads havingbobbin-discharge chutes receiving `bobbins in the sequence in which, wound, the combination of a series ofv bobbin-drive rollerslocated respectively closely adjacent to each of saidV chutes to engage the forward endsA of bobbins while still within the chutes, means for continuously drivingsaid rollers, and means fortransferring marking pigment-to the yarn Vmasses, on the bobbins whileengagedv by said rollers, Y

,3.k As an adjunct toa bobbin-winding ,machine comprising a plurality of automatic, independently-operating bobbin-winding 'heads f having bobbin-discharge chutes which receive bobbins in the sequence in which woundjthe combination of a series of bobbin-drive rollers located respectively closely adjacent to each of said chutes, a series of cooperating4` pressure rollers for said drive-rollers adapting them to engage the forward ends of bobbins while still within such chutes, means for continuously driving said rollers, means for supplying marking pigment to the rollers or one of said series, and means for holding said pressure rollers in positions in which they are spaced from the drive-rollers 4by a distance greater than the diameter of theV bobbin butts,

whereby pigment istransferred only to the yarn A masses on the bobbins.,r r

1l.V As an adjunct to a bobbin-winding machine comprising a pluralityof automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads having bobbin-discharge chutes which receive bobbins in the sequence in which wound, the combination of a v series of bobbin-drive rollers located respectively closely adjacent to each of said chutes, a series of cooperating pressure rollers for said drive-rollers adapting them to grasp bobbins, means for supplying marking pigment to one of said series of rollers, and means for holding said pressure rollers in positions in which they are spaced from the drive-rollers by a distance greater than the diameter of the bobbin butts, whereby pigment is transferred from the rollers only to the yarn masses on the bobbins passing therethrough.

5. As an adjunct to bobbin-winders comprising a row of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads, the combination of a bobbindrive shaft mounted longitudinally on such machine, a series of bobbin-drive'rolle'rs drivenY by such shaft with one roller appurtenant to each winding head, means for continuously driving said rollers, a series of normally non-rotary pressure rollers for cooperation respectively with said drive rollers and adapted to be rotated only by contact with the bobbins engaged between rollers, and means for supplying marking pigment to said normally non-rotary rollers for transfer therefrom to the yarn masses on the bobbins.

6. As an adjunct to a textile winding machine comprising a plurality of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads having bobbin-discharge chutes which receive bobbins in the sequence in which wound, the combination of a series of bobbin-drive rollers located respectively closely adjacent to each of said chutes, a series of cooperating p-ressure rollers for said driver rr6 "bins and means for supplying marking pigment to the rollers` of` one of said series Acomprising `more than one pigment holder'for .each of: said 'rollers, vrwhereby more than one mark` is transferredfrom such rollers tothel yarn on the bobbins.

7. As an adjunct to automatic apparatus for winding bobbins comprising a row of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads, the combination ofia bobbin-drive shaft mounted longitudinally on such machine, a series ofbobbin-drive rollers driven by such' shaft with one.

roller appurtenant to each winding head, a series of pressure rollers for cooperation respectively with said drive rollers adapting the latter to grasp and advance bobbins entering between them,and a corresponding series of pigment holders each adapted to hold solid pigment in rubbing contact with a roller of one of said series'thereby transferring pigment from the rollers to the yarn masses on the bobbins.

8; As an .adjunct to apparatus for winding bobbins comprising a row of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads, the combination of a longitudinal supporting rod and an adjacent. longitudinal bobbin-drive shaft both lmounted on such machine in parallel relation, bobbin-drive rollers driven by such shaft with one roller appurtenant to each winding head, frames on said rod mounted to swing thereon, toward and from the drive rollers and having marker rollers journalled in their free ends, each vi-rame carrying a pigment holder for the swingingV roller thereof,'and means for yiedlingly hold- `ing said frames and the marker rollers carried 'thereby ina predetermined spaced relation to @their respective bobbin-drive rollers adapting -them to receive a bobbin between them. `l:[91.3As'an adjunct to apparatus for winding bobbins comprising a row of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads, the combination of a supportingrod and a bobbindrive shaft both mounted longitudinally on such machine and adjacent to each other, bobbin- -clrive rollers driven by such shaft with one roller appurtenant to each winding head, roller-carrying frames mounted to swing on said rod and spring-urged respectively toward said drive rollers, marker rollers journalled in said swinging frames, pigment holders on said frames for the marker rollers thereof, and stop brackets mounted on said rod to limit the approach vof said pressure rollers toward said other rollers.

10. As an adjunct to bobbin winders comprising a row of automatically independently-operating bobbin-winding heads, the combination of a bobbin drive shaft and an adjacent supporting rod both mounted longitudinally on such machine, a series of bobbin-drive rollers driven by such shaft with one roller appurtenant to each winding head, frames mounted on said supporting rod carrying a series of pressure rollers for cooperation respectively with said drive rollers, adapting the latter to grasp and advance bobbins, a corresponding series of pigment holders each adapted to hold solid pigment in rubbing contact with said pressure rollers thereby transferring pigment to the yarn masses on the bobbins, and means for continuously rotating said bobbin-drive rollers.

11. As an adjunct to a bobbin-winding machine comprising a plurality of automatic independently-operating bobbin-winding heads having bobbin-discharge chutes which receive bobbins in the sequence in which wound, the combination of a series of bobbin-drive rollers vlocated respecltively 4adjacent to `each rollers for said drive-rollers assisting them toadvance sloobl:insV received from such chutes,` and means for supplying markingfpigment to said series of pressure rollers for transfer therefrom to the bobbins, comprising 'holders for solid pig- 4ment pencils adapted to hold such :pencilsin rubloing `contact with said pressure rollers, whereby the` action of [the bobbin itself -on said rollers :effects the transferof the rubbed-olf pigment, tothe yarn mass thereon. i y

12; As an adjunct to a bobbin-Winder comprising .a row of .automatic .bob'bin-Winding heads each having a delivery. chute, the combination of a longitudinal bobbin-,drive shaft mounted lonsaid machine parallel to the row and commento all the winding heads thereof, a series of bobbindrive rollers distributed along and driven by .such shaft, each roller respectively adjacent to .a de` livery chute of a Winding head, a series of pressure rollers respectively cooperating with each of said drive rollers to define continuation delivery paths forl bobbins from the chutes respectively appurtenantY thereto, and means for supplying marking pigment to both series of rollers thereby transferring marks to both sides of the bobbins passing fromV the Winder.

13.Y Asian adjunct to bobbin-Winders compris-Y ing independently operating bobbin Winding heads, the combination `of a vseries of bobbindrive rollers, `one Such roller being appui-.tenant to each Winding head, means for driving said rollers to deliver loobbins,V a series of pressure rollers re spectively cooperating each with one of said drive rollers, means for supplying marking pigment t the rollers of one of said series for transfer therefrom to the yarn masses on the bobbins, a series of stop arms for determining the normal spacing .of said pressure rollers, with respect to said drive rollers, `and .a .supporting rod on which such arms Vare carried, said vrod being Vmovable vfor simultaneously changing the spacing ofall rof said =pres surerollers.v f j Y Y 14. A bobbin-Winder comprising a row of automatic bobbin-Windi-ng heads provided with deliverylchutes to receive and discharge bobbins, a

vlongitudinal bob'bin-drive shaft, mounted on said machine parallel to the row and common to allv the'Wi-nd-ingsheads thereof, `a series of bobbindrive rollers distributed along the row and driven Yby such shaft, each roller respectively beinglocated respectivelyadacent to a delivery chute -of va winding head, and each being `adapted to propel the bobbins endwise, apressure sustaining means opposed to and cooperating with each drive roller to enable it to propelbobbins, means for continuously driving such shaft, land means for applying a marking'pigment tothe bobbins while l5. 'Abobbin-winder comprising a row of autoin-at-ic bobbin-WindingV` heads provided with de,-

livery chutes to receive and discharge bobbins,v a longitudinal bobb-in-d-rive shaft, mounted on r'said Vmachine parallel tothe row and common to all the "winding heads thereof, a 'series of bobbin-drive rollers distributed along the'row andv driven by *such shaft, each roller respectively being located respectively adjacent tov ardelivery chute. of Y a winding head, and each being adapted to propel bobbins endwise, an idly mounted roller opposed to and cooperating With each 'drive roller lto Venable it to propel bobbins,f means for continuously driving such shaft, and means for applying a marking pigment to the bobbins while engaged by said drive rollers. f

y -OTTOW- SCHLUMS. 

